Symphony in Irish (Siansa): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for symphony?

The Irish for symphony is siansa (pronounced “SHEE-un-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is siansaí. Depending on context it can also mean melody.

Q: What is the plural of symphony in Irish?

The plural of siansa is siansaí; with the article, na siansaí means “the symphonies”. The genitive plural is siansaí, as in cumadóir na siansaí (the composer of the symphonies).

Q: Does siansa have more than one meaning?

Yes. Siansa can mean symphony or melody, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “symphony” in Irish

Irish:: siansa
English:: symphony, melody
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “SHEE-un-suh” /ˈʃiənˠsˠə/

Various forms

Plural:: siansaí (symphonies)
Genitive singular:: siansa, an tsiansa (e.g. tús an tsiansa, the beginning of the symphony)
Genitive plural:: siansaí, na siansaí (e.g. cumadóir na siansaí, the composer of the symphonies)

What does “siansa” mean?

“Siansa” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

symphony: A long piece of music written for a full orchestra, usually in several movements.Also: symphonic work, orchestral piece.

1 other meaning: melody

2melody: A sweet strain or tune of music; harmonious sound.Also: strain, tune, harmony.

“Siansa” with the article

The plural of symphony in Irish is siansaí. Here is siansa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an siansa

the symphony

No change after an

na siansaí

the symphonies

Plural: no change after na

“Siansa” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using siansa, the Irish word for symphony.

Chum Beethoven naoi siansa.

Beethoven composed nine symphonies.

Sheinn an cheolfhoireann siansa álainn aréir.

The orchestra played a beautiful symphony last night.

Is aoibhinn liom an siansa sin.

I love that symphony.

Bhí an chéad ghluaiseacht den siansa an-fhada.

The first movement of the symphony was very long.

Thaitin na siansaí go mór leis an lucht éisteachta.

The audience really enjoyed the symphonies.

Tá ceithre ghluaiseacht sa siansa seo.

There are four movements in this symphony.

Chuala mé siansa binn na n-éan ar maidin.

I heard the sweet melody of the birds this morning.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Symphony in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for symphony?

The Irish for symphony is siansa (pronounced “SHEE-un-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is siansaí. Depending on context it can also mean melody.

How do you pronounce siansa in Irish?

Siansa is said like “SHEE-un-suh” (IPA /ˈʃiənˠsˠə/).

What is the plural of symphony in Irish?

The plural of siansa is siansaí; with the article, na siansaí means “the symphonies”. The genitive plural is siansaí, as in cumadóir na siansaí (the composer of the symphonies).

Does siansa have more than one meaning?

Yes. Siansa can mean symphony or melody, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does siansa change to shiansa?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shiansa. After ár (our) it stays ár siansa, because s does not take eclipsis.

How do I say 'symphony orchestra' in Irish?

The usual term is 'ceolfhoireann shiansach', as in 'Ceolfhoireann Shiansach Náisiúnta RTÉ'.

Symphony in Irish (Siansa): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage